I did a search expecting this had been asked before, but I didn't find anything.

I recently picked up a '63 Merc with a 390 engine. The battery is dead, and the car has not been run in a LONG time (prior owner guessed at 6years or more).

The tank had previously been drained and a new carb installed so I dont think bad gas will be an issue.

So far, I'm thinking:
  1. Change the oil
  2. change the spark plugs
  3. check all the plug/coil wires for damage or corrosion and replace as needed.
  4. add a small amount of thin oil (I've read about Marvel Mystery Oil) to the cylinders
  5. install a new battery, and check all existing wiring for damage/corrosion
  6. when ready, remove spark plugs and attempt to slowly turn the motor by hand using a breaker bar.
  7. check fuel filter and replace if needed.
  8. add gas to the tank, and to the carb
  9. install plugs and see if she will start.

I've also read elsewhere that priming can be done to get oil pressure up before rotating the engine allowing the oil to get everywhere it needed to be. What steps are involved with this on a 390?

Should I fill the carb with gas, or just the tank and use starting fluid in the carb?

I'm hoping I wont do something stupid that will cause me to have to rebuild the engine. I'm still debating a modern drivetrain, but I'd like the car running before I make that decision.

Oh and also ... anything I should be concerned with regarding the automatic trans if the engine does fire up? I dont just want to drop it into drive if I should be changing filter/fluids there too...

Thanks in advance!

~ Richard